Cross-Dressing Cutters
Handling it Biblically
Q. My neighbor’s children are into cross-dressing and cutting. Does the Bible say anything about this? Should I say anything to the parents about it?
Answer:
Surprisingly, the bible does address these issues.
Skin Cutting – Tattooing
Leviticus 19:28 commands the Israelites:
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves…” (NIV)
Ok, I know that this verse is the Old Testament and that we are “free from the Law.” But wait… Look at the intent of the passage. The practices of cutting and marking the body was involved in pagan rituals and worship of false gods which both the Old and New Testaments decry.
I also realize and have many dear Christian brothers and sisters who believe that “Christian” tattooing is just fine. I have even been quoted Ezekiel 9:4 where the Lord commands, “set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and cry for all the abominations that must be done…”
But, sorry, this passage has nothing to do with the modern day practice of “Christian Tattooing.”
Romans 14 & 15
So where do we come down on the issue of Tattooing? I really have to go back to Romans 14 & 15 where we are instructed by the Apostle Paul to avoid doing things which may cause a brother or sister to stumble.
In other words, if you are doing something like drinking a glass of wine or going to a dance or sporting a tattoo or buying a new swimsuit do not use your freedom in Christ at the expense of other believers. That means modesty and humility in dress and action. Engage in actions which honor our Lord.
“But,” I hear you insist… Is it a sin?
If you want a serious response then study Romans 14:1-23. Take the time to understand this very critical doctrine. Then study your heart and how your actions affect those around you. Then you tell me if it is sin.
Cross Dressing
Deuteronomy 22:5 mentions,
“A woman shall not wear man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing – for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.” (NASB).
As Christians we are to have nothing to do with “the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret” (Eph. 5:11-12). Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 6:17 advises us to “come out from them and be separate…” This tells us not to engage in pagan practices of the secular cultures around us.
Associating with Unbelievers
But, having said that, Paul clearly tells us that he doesn’t mean we shouldn’t associate with “the immoral people of this world…for then you would have to go out of the world…” (1 Cor. 5:9-13).
Too many Christians have pointed fingers at unbelievers who engage in immoral practices. In the process we completely lose the ability to effectively be a witness to them in our own actions. We alienate them instead of draw them into the light of the living God.
Sharing our Lives
In order to avoid becoming “odious” to unbelievers perhaps we could invite their children to see good, family movies with our children, invite them to participate in family barbeques and to join us in activities that might be uplifting to them.
By doing this we can teach our children that while cutting and cross dressing are things we would not do as Christians, nevertheless we can be a good witness to our unbelieving neighbors and teach Christ’s love to them.
Just a thought…